Piano and singing paid bills. But that's just about all it could do for Allegra. She spent many days and many nights playing piano at a bar for the entertainment of the sobs that drank there. Song after song. Key after key. Somehow, it felt enjoyable no matter what the song or how many times it was played. The bar usually had a somber atmosphere, which made her selection of songs...limited. Still, Allegra had a job which she enjoyed. That was about all that she really needed. But she wanted something more. She just couldn't put her finger on it until one day, an old friend came to visit.
It was a pretty standard day with the same schedule as always. Ponies drank, Allegra played, bits were given. The piano-mare was about to give her last song and give the announcement of what her selection was.
"The last song I will play is a tune called 'The Stallion Who Wasn't There' by Natasha Sineightra. I do hope you enjoy." Allegra went up to her piano and sang in a voice as beautiful as the spring breeze, with accompaniment from her majestic instrument.
"Sometimes, I walk along the path,
And I remember him
How he was as strong as a bear
How he cared
But such things like that are rare
I remember all the times he conforted me when something gave me quite a scare
And I remember
I remember
The stallion who wasn't there
I think of his body underneath the ground
No trace of hope was found
And weeping was the only sound
To hear
But then...I look back along the path
And I remember him
How he always dared
For the mare
Who's heart always flared
But if I remember him that way anyhow in anywhere
I will always treasure
I'll treasure
The stallion who wasn't....
There."
"And, I think that's all the time I have at the moment." The crowd applauded and Allegra bowed in response. Though she did this every other day, it never got old. Among the crowd, she saw a very familiar mare. She was grey and had a black mane. Along her back, she carried a small bag.
"Octavia? Is that you?" Allegra said, approaching the mare.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Allegra?" Octavia replied.
"It's not all the time you get to reunite with your best friend," Allegra said. "Care for a drink? It's on me."
"Oh no. I'd rather not become an unstable nincompoop, thank you very much." Allegra gave her a little thing she liked to call "puppy dog eyes."
"Remember how you could never resist these, eh Octavia?"
"That...was...years ago...I...fine," Octavia chuckled. Allegra had a look of triumph on her face and went to talk to the bartender.
"Two regulars, please," Allegra requested.
"Sure, Ally." The bartender said as he went to get the drinks. Allegra quickly went back to her friend to continue the conversation.
"So what have you been doing since school, pray tell?" Allegra questioned.
"I've been doing multiple concerts around Equestria. It's quite a grand experience. You should try it sometime."
"Oh dear no. I'm really nothing special."
"Did you see how those ponies cheered for you? They loved you. And the general public will as well." Allegra thought hard about it. She had never really dreamed of performing anywhere besides the bar. It's always been her venue for about 5 years.
"I'm sorry, Octavia. Well, I don't know."
"You don't have to answer right away. Here," Octavia pulled a card from out of her bag. "It's my card. In case you want to keep in touch, of course."
"Well thanks, Oct-" Allegra was interrupted by a loud noise. She, as well as everypony else, turned to see an unusual unicorn with a mane color of two shades of blue. She wore purple sunglasses and was as white as snow. The most surprising thing about her was the thing she was holding: A boombox that spouted electric noises.
"Hey, Octi! You ready yet?" The mare asked.
"Vinyl, I specifically told you to stay outside!" Octavia scolded.
"I can't help if I'm a rebel.....hey wait a minute," Vinyl said as she cast a suspicious look on Allegra. "Have you been...cheating on me!?"
"Nonono! It's nothing of the sort! We were just friends together as fillies," Allegra replied.
"Oh, well that's alright, I guess," Vinyl shrugged.
"Vinyl usually isn't one to hold a grudge," Octavia whispered to Allegra.
"You never told me you had a marefriend," Allegra teased.
"Correction; it's have. Not had."
"Grammatically intolerant as always..." Allegra murmured.
"So, what's your name?" Vinyl asked Allegra.
"Oh! It's Allegra, pleased to meet you."
"I figure you've already heard of me," Vinyl said proudly.
"Yes, from Octavia."
"Oh...yeah....sure." Vinyl scratched her ear in embarrassment. "Y'know, I heard you singing. It wasn't bad. Though, ya might wanna play more upbeat songs, you know?"
"Oh yes. I do enjoy singing upbeat songs as well. Only...these sobs seem to enjoy my other songs better. We don't have much of a selection around here."
"Well, gimme a call if you ever wanna get a gig somewhere. Octi and I would love to have ya!"
"Actually, Vinyl, we were talking about that earlier...right before you crashed 'wubs' blazing into a quiet and peaceful pub!" Octavia scolded.
"Oh yeah." Vinyl scratched her head, missing Octavia's point.
"I think Vinyl and I will be going now," Octavia said, grabbing Vinyl's arm. "Oh and Allegra?"
"Yes?" Allegra asked. Octavia looked deep into Allegra's eyes.
"Do think about it, will you?" Allegra stayed silent as Octavia walked away with Vinyl who was waving back to her. Not a moment passed when she didn't think about it. Vinyl seemed like a nice pony and nothing beats hanging out with one of your best friends, but...was she ready for the world?
"Hey, Ally. Here's your drinks," The bartender said with a tray in his hands.
"Actually...can I have those to go?" Allegra asked, looking out at the great big world she was about to greet.
